The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane, continues to be a focal point of geopolitical tensions as Iran maintains control over the waterway following a ceasefire. Ship-tracking data reveals that only a few vessels have navigated the strait since the truce, signifying Iran’s enduring influence over the crucial passage. Among these, the Gabon-flagged oil tanker MSG was one of the first non-Iranian vessels to transit the strait post-ceasefire, carrying approximately 7,000 tonnes of Emirati fuel oil en route to India.
The Liberia — flagged tanker Daytona Beach also made the crossing earlier, departing from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and transiting at 8:59 a. M. CET.
However, not all vessels have been granted passage. A Botswana-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker, Nidi, was directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to reverse course, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty for vessels seeking to pass through the waterway. Market intelligence firm Kpler’s data indicates that at least 12 vessels have crossed the strait since the ceasefire, a far cry from the usual daily volume of over 100 ships. This has led to more than 600 vessels, including about 325 tankers, remaining stranded in the Gulf, raising concerns about prolonged supply disruptions and escalating shipping costs.
Iran’s control of the strait has prompted diplomatic outreach, particularly from African economies that rely heavily on Gulf energy supplies. Iran’s ambassador to Pretoria, Mansour Shakib Mehr, addressed the United Ulama Council of South Africa, dismissing reports that the energy supply chain had been closed since the conflict began on February 28. He clarified that only vessels linked to the United States and Israel were being restricted, while shipments bound for China and India were allowed under specific conditions. Mehr suggested that the same “special arrangement “could be extended to South Africa.
Despite the cushioning effect of Nigeria and Angola in Africa, which supply roughly two — thirds of crude demand in some markets, the continent remains vulnerable to global price volatility. Countries like China, Malaysia, India, and Egypt have engaged in discussions with Tehran to secure passage through the strait, as Iranian officials contemplate formalizing control of the route, including proposals for a toll of about $2 million per container ship. The situation is further complicated by Iran’s Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union spokesperson indicating that shipping firms may be required to pay Iran a cryptocurrency levy for each barrel of oil transported through the strait. Amidst these developments, US President Donald Trump criticized Iran’s management of oil transit, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of failing to honor the ceasefire.
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Original author: Olamilekan Okebiorun
